Best of 2000: Best Adult Rice Krispie Treat

Charles Kaufman's mother raised her three children as if they were members of royalty. They attended private schools, often had a live-in French cook, and some summers they rented a yacht to sail the Mediterranean. Nothing but gourmet food ever touched their lips, and therein lay the problem. The stuff Charles loved was at his friends' houses, where he could gorge himself on Twinkies and Ding Dongs. The latter two he could buy in grocery stores from his allowance. However, his favorite, Rice Krispie treats, could be obtained only from his friends' mothers or their housekeepers. Soon, Charles began to gain weight. His mother never knew why. As a grown man Kaufman is now trim and nattily attired in his bakery, Bread & Cie. Recently, however, he added his childhood delights to his bakery menu. Ding Dongs are now called roulé's and the Rice Krispie treats will be sold out unless you arrive early. They are prepared from Rice Krispies, marshmallows, butter, plus roasted pistachios, toasted sliced almonds, white chocolate chips, and a bit of Cointreau.